The Pioneer Trail Loop

Samuel P. Taylor State Park is a small redwood forest in Marin that is right next to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. It is popular for weekend family picnics, but one will come across the occasional cyclist and trail runner too. The ecosystem diversity is stunning for its tiny size. The Pioneer Trail is the gem of this park – almost 3 miles of woodsy serenity - great for a quick escape and family friendly as well. 

This laid-back adventure begins close to the Park’s Headquarters, and you will need to pay the Day Use Fee of $8. Park within the designated Day Use areas and start at the wide, paved road which crosses Lagunitas Creek. This creek also features Coho Salmon, so you might catch a glimpse if you are lucky. Bear left to Taylor Park Road and very soon you will see the Pioneer Trail trailhead on your right side. A good majority of this loop is a single-path that starts in a lush grove of Redwoods and transitions to Madrone, Bay Laurel and Tanoak. About mid-way, you can take a small detour to visit the “Pioneer Tree”, the oldest redwood in the park. After a couple of brief switchbacks, you will meander down to Cross-Marin. Take a left on this flat fire-road that takes you back to the beginning. 

To sum up, this is an easy-going, relatively flat family-friendly trail within the Bay Area Redwoods that is great for all hiking levels. 

Note: There is poison oak along the trail, and it is advised to wear long sleeves/pants.